About US

Founded in 1997, the Portland State Institute for Asian Studies (IAS) promotes public awareness, research, training, and curricular development on all parts of Asia.

Housed in the Office of Global Engagement and Innovation (formerly International Affairs), the IAS unites and works in cooperation with the Center for Japanese Studies at PSU to serve as a nexus and resource hub for Asia related programming.

Through networking, collaboration, partnerships, the cultivation of sponsorships, and fund-raising the Institute for Asian Studies aims to enhance Asian Studies programming and events that serve PSU students, faculty and staff, as well as the greater community. Drawing on the expertise over 70 faculty and academic professionals, across over 30 disciplines, the Institute for Asian Studies coordinates, sponsors and promotes a variety of Asia related events both on and off-campus, including public lectures, film screenings, visual art exhibitions, Asia related performances, education and cultural events, conferences, seminars, and special programs.

Working with PSU administration and faculty, the Institute for Asian Studies develops strategies for increasing the coherence and effectiveness of Portland State’s Asia programs and its profile in Asia. At the same time, IAS strives to facilitate coordination, collaboration and information/knowledge exchange with local, regional, national and international organizations on Asia related projects.

Former Directors

Linda Walton PhD

Founding Director (1997 -1999)

Professor Emerita

Email: brlw@pdx.edu


Laurence Kominz 

2nd Director ( 1999 - 2001)

Professor of Japanese

Email: kominzl@pdx.edu

 

Patricia Thornton PhD

3rd Director (2001)

Former Faculty of Political Science
 

Stephen Wadley

4th Director (2001)

Professor of Chinese 

Email: wadleys@pdx.edu

 

Patricia J. Wetzel

5th Director (

Email: wetzelp@pdx.edu
 

Sharon Carstens 

Professor Emerita Anthropology

Email: b5sc@pdx.edu

 

Suwako Watanabe (2016 - 2022)

Department Chair & Professor of Japanese

Email: suwako@pdx.edu

 

 

Director

Hyeyoung Woo, PhD
Professor of Sociology, Liberal Arts & Sciences 
hyeyoung@pdx.edu  
Karl Miller Center - 660T

Program Coordinator

Fara Mendy, M.Ed.
iasias@pdx.edu 
Karl Miller Center, Room 660Q

Main Office

Office of Global Engagement and Innovation 
intl-services@pdx.edu 503-725-4094
Karl Miller Center 660